The Downton Abbey dolls' house: Fan makes mini mansion inspired by her favourite show
WHAT's better than watching Downton? Having a miniature version in your own home, says one fan who designed her own and moved a tiny Lady Grantham in for good measure
We all know Downton Abbey has a devoted following but for one super-fan, watching the goings on in the fictional stately home wasn't enough.
Instead grandmother Fiona Gordon decided to make a tiny Downton of her own - a Victorian dolls house complete with upstairs drawing rooms and grand bedrooms and "downstairs" kitchens.
But what is Downton without the scandal-hit Grantham family and their servants? So the Greggs sales assistant bought a mini Lady Grantham and under-butler Thomas Barrow to complete her miniature world.
Fiona, 50, from Morecombe, Lancashire, said: "When my husband bought me a doll's house for Christmas I knew I wanted to design it like Downton Abbey.
"I absolutely adore the show and watching it has really helped me lay out the rooms and dress the dolls."
Fiona, who's been fascinated with dolls houses and the world of miniature for years, lovingly designed and decorated the house over 18 months, modelling it on a Victorian country estate.
Her husband Derek bought her the house for Christmas 2012 knowing his wife had never missed an episode of Downton.
It was the perfect opportunity to practise her love of crafts by planning every area, room and feature of a Victorian house.
Each room has been decorated with hand-made fabrics and ornaments, right down to the soil in the plant-pots, which she made from dry tea bags.
"I've never owned a doll's house before but I've always loved anything from the world of miniature," she said. "At first I didn't know where to start but I've done lots of research on the internet into all things Victorian and I've watched the entire series of Downton Abbey."
"I can't wait for the next series and I've really enjoyed building the house. I've put my heart and soul into it."
The mansion has one bedroom, one nursery, a bathroom, a drawing room, a kitchen and a dining room. "It's not quite as big as Downton Abbey but the rooms are decorated in the same way," said the grandmother-of-four.
"They're not identical but I wanted to keep them looking the same Victorian style. Some of the furniture I bought and other parts I made myself.
"I originally used sponge for the flowers in the garden but then I changed it to dry tea leaves for the petals and soil.
"I also stitched the clothing for the characters myself so they look more like the actors in Downton Abbey. Some of it has been trial and error but I'm delighted with the result."
As well as Lady Grantham and Thomas Butler, Fiona has bought three other models and created a spin-off world involving cousin Veronica, and the children Victoria and Lucien, who don't feature in the hit series.
"They're not supposed to be exact models of the characters but it's a lovely coincidence that one was called Lady Grantham because that's my favourite character in the series.
"I bought the butler because he looks just like the actor and they look great together. So my grandchildren can enjoy it, I've made up a story to involve the other models."
In her miniature Downton, Fiona's created whole new plot lines to explain what her dolls are doing in the house.
"Unfortunately Lord Grantham died, so to help her out, Veronica came to stay to help with child care. Thomas and his wife, Beth the cook, help her out as well - that's why she is sitting there looking so glum.
"She didn't want to part with any of Lord Grantham's things, which is where the chest comes into it. Inside it's got all his personal possessions in, like a cut-throat razor, gloves and watch.
"I just wanted to make it more real and it's easier to explain it that way to the grandchildren. They really love it and they respect it too. They understand that it's to be looked at and enjoyed rather than played with."
It all started when husband, Derek Gordon, 58, bought Fiona the base for a dolls house with a garden feature.
Fiona said: "It only actually came about when my husband bought me the blank canvas as a present. He has never thought it was weird because we share a common interest.
"When you say to somebody, 'oh my dolls' house', it's like a dolls' house that you play with and it's not the same. I'm not some weird grown-up who wants to be a young girl.
"Everything we made is quite sentimental - I just love it. I haven't kept note of how much it cost because it isn't about the money. It's something I want to pass down the family and I'll never sell it."
Series five of Downton Abbey will air next month. It recently hit the headlines when a cast photo promoting the new season included a very modern water bottle.